Three subpopulations (J, K, and L) of
orcas frequent the San Juan Islands. As
all Southern Resident pods, they search
nutrient-rich waters for Pacific salmon,
their preferred food source.
Marine biologists and recreational
guides recommend that tourists plan
their whale watching sessions with the
species they are interested in seeing the
most or if they are interested in viewing
multiple species. Thus, the best viewing
opportunities for Orcas is between May
and October. Throughout this six-month
time frame, Orcas are heavily engaged
on foraging on migratory populations
of Pacific salmon that are returning to
the natal freshwater rivers where they
were born. Before salmon populations
frequent the inshore and intertidal areas
of the San Juan Islands, it is estimated
that Orca viewing opportunities are estimated at 40 to 50 percent during March
and April and in late October. Scattered
populations of juveniles and younger
adult salmon provide enough foraging
opportunities for tourists to encounter
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whales on a year-round basis.
Within the proximity of the San Juan
Islands, multiple locations throughout
are available for whale watching opportunities. Depending on the time the
year, certain locations exhibit increased
concentrations of whales whereas less
than others. It is recommended to
spend a majority of your time along
the coastline of all four islands. On the
Washington side of the San Juan Islands,
the area around Spring Street Landing
in Friday Harbor contains populations
of sperm and humpback whales in early
June through middle August. But those
who seek a do it yourself whale watching experience cannot beat Limekiln
State Park. Located on San Juan Island,
this area gives you the best high-percentage experience. Here specifically,
this 36-acre day-use park located on
explore:NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Summer 2016
the western side of San Juan Island is
considered one of the best places on
the globe for whale watching. If viewing
large whales in the wild isn’t enough
excitement, the Lima Kiln Point Interpretative Center converted from an old
Coast Guard station features a combination of orca statues, interactive displays,
and educational activities about the life
history of the whales of San Juan Islands
and its other abundant marine and
plant life. Although viewing orcas and
other whales from shore is definitely
possible, those who are willing to dig
into their creative, exploratory side will
increase the likelihood of seeing whales.
The recreational water sport of sea
kayaking is a highly sought out strategy
to explore the underwater beauty of the
San Juan Islands. And then there is the
most popular option, which is to book a